The Taliban-run Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan has expressed 'serious concern' over reports that the United States is planning to transfer certain Afghan refugees — those unable to secure legal residency documents in the US — to Pakistan, warning that any decisions affecting Afghan citizens must be made through direct bilateral coordination with Kabul. The statement, issued on 2 November 2026, comes as advocacy groups warn of an imminent deportation flight.

Taliban's Position on the Reported Transfers

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, head of the Public Relations and Information Department at the Taliban's Foreign Ministry, said in a video message posted to his X account that Kabul considers the protection of its citizens' rights its core responsibility, regardless of where those citizens are located. He called on Washington to adopt what he described as a 'responsible and judicious approach' and to make decisions only with 'clear bilateral understanding, necessary coordination, and consideration of the rights and legitimate demands of the relevant individuals.'

Takal stated that the Afghan side is prepared for 'practical and mutually agreed-upon interaction' in this area, taking into account the existing realities and the legitimate concerns of both sides.

Warning to Third Countries

In a pointed remark directed at Pakistan, Takal said third countries 'should not engage in transactions regarding the fate of another country's citizens for the sake of short-term limited privileges or other considerations, and should not undermine human dignity, rights, and accepted moral and humanitarian standards in their decisions and actions.' This is an unusually direct rebuke from Kabul toward Islamabad, the two countries having maintained a fraught and complex relationship since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Notably, Afghanistan insisted it remains committed to all forms of constructive interaction aimed at facilitating the 'honourable, dignified, and voluntary return' of its citizens.

Imminent Deportation Flight Reported

According to AfghanEvac, a US-based advocacy group that works to uphold America's commitments to its Afghan allies, the US government is reportedly preparing to deport more than 150 Afghans on a charter flight out of Louisiana in the first week of November — possibly as early as Monday.

Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac, said: 'America is about to put Afghans on a plane to the Taliban, and the administration is doing it the week the country goes to vote, hoping no one is watching.' VanDiver's remarks came in the context of calls for Congress to pass Afghanistan Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Veterans and Allies to March on Capitol Hill

AfghanEvac has announced a Mission Partners Fly-In on 9–11 November, during which veterans, diplomats, aid workers, attorneys, and Afghan allies plan to visit Capitol Hill. On Veterans Day, the group intends to walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, urging every member of Congress to act before any deportation flight departs.

VanDiver challenged lawmakers directly: 'We are asking every member of Congress one question: will you stand up before the plane takes off?' The episode underscores the unresolved legal and humanitarian limbo facing thousands of Afghans who assisted US forces and government operations over two decades.

Broader Context

The reported transfers come against the backdrop of a broader US crackdown on irregular immigration and a review of Afghan parolee status. Critics argue that deporting Afghans — especially those who worked with American forces — to the Taliban or to transit countries like Pakistan raises serious security and human rights concerns. This is not the first time the Biden-era promises to Afghan allies have faced scrutiny under subsequent administrations; advocates say the pace and direction of policy has shifted sharply, leaving many former partners in legal limbo.

How the US, Pakistan, and the Taliban navigate this triangular standoff in the coming days will likely determine the fate of hundreds of Afghans currently facing removal proceedings.